Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

RAD1012 develops the scientific, professional and clinical radiographic knowledge that will be foundational to the student progresses along the Novice to Expert continuum of development. Radiographic knowledge will be extended to enable examinations of the respiratory system, shoulder and pelvic girdles, the vertebral column, the bony thorax and plain abdomen to be safely performed.
Building on earlier principles of professional practice, RAD1012 will introduce the science required for more advanced radiographic equipment operation. Radiation dosimetry and safety is also studied so that competent operation and performance measurement of diagnostic ionising radiation equipment may be executed. Clinical exposure to patients under supervision will enable the student to apply these principles across the range of examinations indicated.

Objectives

1. evaluate, using a detailed knowledge of the statutory regulations governing the use of ionising radiation, and describe how regulatory agencies demand the safe use of medical imaging ionising radiation equipment;
2. discuss the response of organ systems to ionising radiation exposure, how x-radiation is monitored and measured and how personal monitoring is used, recorded and reported to enable safe practices in radiation areas for patient, staff and the general public;
3. calculate the energy content of an x-ray beam, integral dose, dose-area product and define dose and equivalent dose when x-rays are absorbed by living tissue, using correct units;
4. employ the principles learnt about kV, mAs and geometry of the x-ray beam that impact upon the four image quality factors of optical density, contrast, image detail and distortion to describe the characteristics of a radiograph;
5. review the theoretical principles underpinning the operation of automatic exposure systems and computed radiography systems, and where appropriate apply this in the clinical setting;
6. describe and apply (within a professional standards and ethics context) theories of the psychosocial impact on human behaviour, communication and occupational health and safety of your working environment;
7. record and obtain information from individuals employing appropriate observation and interviewing skills, such that the information generated may be integrated with basic scientific theory and knowledge to provide quality levels of patient care;
8. recognise and adapt, in a professional manner, to the variety of social, cultural and ethical perspectives that may legitimately be encountered within clinical practice, to interpret a radiographic request form for the imaging examination and obtain a clinical history from a patient;
9. describe and justify the radiographic projections and body positions underpinning general radiographic examinations of the respiratory system, shoulder and pelvic girdles, the vertebral column, the bony thorax and plain abdomen
10. select appropriate radiographic protocols consisting of radiographic projections positioning techniques and exposure factors to produce high quality projection(s) that will aid the diagnostic process;
11. position an adult patient, accounting for his/her clinical presentation, for the radiographic projections identified in the protocol, direct and align the central ray to an appropriate bony landmark, image receptor and ancillary equipment such as the bucky, grids and automatic exposure devices;
12. evaluate the resultant radiograph/s in terms of technical quality and positioning criteria and where necessary devise appropriate problem-solving strategies for less than optimal radiographic projections;
13. on the resultant radiograph, distinguish anatomical features and recognise associated common radiologic pathologies or traumatic appearances in terms of the clinical question being asked;
14. in the light of the clinical problem, assess the appropriateness of supplementary projections, and where required position the patient for the required further images;
15. under supervision, safely conduct radiographic examinations of the respiratory system, pelvis, shoulder girdle, vertebral column, the bony thorax and plain abdomen of an adult patient.

Assessment

One, three hour written examination comprising two parts: 35%
Clinical Learning portfolio: 35%
Four x 250 word radiographic principles laboratory reports: 10%
One 40 minute Pre placement Objective Structured Clinical examination (OSCE): 10%
2 x 30 minute Computer based radiographic image evaluation and methods tests: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Contact hours

8 x one hour lectures, 3 x one hour tutorials, 1 x three hour laboratory practical session, 4 hours clinical studies per week

Prerequisites

RAD1061; RAD1021; RAD1031 Requisites: RAD1082